Black Hills Expeditions – Page 14 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 286 – Peak 4780 & Peak 4760 (12-2-21)

8:06 AM, 50ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Alkali Creek trailhead – Kind of a gray day, but pleasantly warm for December.

Centennial Trail No. 89 again, SPHP?

Hah! Yeah. You don’t mind do you, Loop?

Oh, no! I love the Centennial Trail, it’s just that we’ve been here several times recently. I was sort of expecting something different.

Well, you can blame poor planning on my part, Loopster. I should have checked out the Meade County Lists of John peaks before we came down here from the Elk Creek trailhead on Expedition No. 274. Didn’t even think about that. We could have tagged a couple of 300+ foot prominence peaks along the way.

So we’re going back to tag them today, SPHP?

Yup! Shouldn’t be too hard, we’ll be on Centennial Trail No. 89 most of the time. The peaks we’re going to are way back up in the hills, but not too far from the trail.

At the **Alkali Creek trailhead**. Photo looks NW.

Crossing the access road, Lupe set out following Centennial Trail No. 89 WNW through grasslands overlooking scrub oaks down in the Alkali Creek valley. She soon reached I-90, passed through a tunnel beneath it, under a railroad trestle, then up into a big field. From here, the trail headed SW gradually climbing toward the hills.

Setting out on Centennial Trail No. 89 along the **N side of the Alkali Creek valley**. Photo looks WNW.

The railroad trestle just past the tunnel. Photo looks SW.

Looking back toward I-90. Photo looks E.

Right after Centennial Trail No. 89 reached the forest at the base of the hills, Lupe left it venturing a short distance NW to a viewpoint where Alkali Creek passed through a narrow gap between small limestone cliffs. The creekbed was just a dry wash here.

By the limestone gap where Alkali Creek leaves the Black Hills. Photo looks NW.

Once back on Centennial Trail No. 89 again, the trail made a quick loop S before returning to the Alkali Creek valley. Heading SW, Lupe passed a scenic cliff, then entered a two-toned forest – the dark green of all the Ponderosa pines above, and dry orange of dead leaves still clinging to bushes below.

The trail soon left the Alkali Creek valley, turning SE up a side ravine. A layer of limestone cliffs capped the ridge to the NE. Lupe wandered up beneath the cliffs to sniff around and check them out.

A little above the trail, exploring along the base of the cliffs. Photo looks S.

Near the upper end of the ravine, just past the last of the cliffs, Loopster came to Poett’s Corner. By a rickety wooden gate, a poster was attached to a tree. A bell hung below the poster.

Although Lupe had been past Poett’s corner on several other Black Hills expeditions, she had never seen Poett. Poett was nowhere in sight now, either.

Kind of makes you wonder if Poett is still around, doesn’t it, SPHP?

Yes, it does, Looper. No telling what’s happened to Poett. Maybe Poett moved away, or has become bored with this trail and doesn’t come here any more?

Well, whatever happened, I hope Poett’s OK, SPHP! Hate to think that Poett might have gotten lost or stolen, or anything terrible like that.

Me, too, Loop, but seems likely we’ll never know the truth.

Centennial Trail No. 89 curved away from Poett’s Corner. It wound through the forest for a couple more miles, climbing steadily most of the time. At one point there was a view of Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) way out on the prairie to the NNE, but other than that, there was generally little to see except the forest itself.

**Bear Butte**. Photo looks NNE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Roughly 4 miles from the Alkali Creek trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 reached a ridge where Lupe came to a junction. While No. 89 continued over the ridge, another trail branched off to the R heading farther up it. A sign indicated that this was the way to the Sturgis City Dams.

Which way, SPHP?

Sturgis City Dams, Looper, but let’s have a look at Peak 4760 first.

From a small clearing near the trail junction, an unremarkable hill was visible a mile S. Heavily forested, it didn’t appear much different from countless others in the Black Hills region.

First glimpse of **Peak 4760**. Photo looks S.

Is that it, SPHP?

Yup. Guess we won’t be seeing much from up there by the looks of it. Way too many trees. Oh, well! Carry on, Loopster! Maybe Peak 4780 will be better?

Taking the trail that went past the Sturgis City Dams sign, Lupe headed up the ridge.

Near the trail junction, about to head for Peak 4780. Photo looks WNW.

The trail climbed at an easy pace along the broad ridge. Progress was rapid. Most of the ridge was forested, but sometimes there were views. Bear Butte came into sight again, followed by parts of Sturgis.

Heading W on the Sturgis City Dams trail.

**Bear Butte** (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Continuing W along the ridge. Photo looks W.

Parts of Sturgis came into view (beyond Lupe). Photo looks N.

How much farther to Peak 4780, SPHP? And why didn’t we go to Peak 4760 first, since we could already see it back at the junction?

Because we’re already on Peak 4780’s E ridge, Loop! The summit is close to the W end of the mountain, only 0.75 mile from the trail junction. Not much of a climb. We should get there pretty soon at this rate.

More than halfway along the ridge, the Sturgis City Dams trail angled over to the S edge, and began heading down. To the N, abandoned USFS Road No. 139.1E came up the N slope from the E, climbing more steeply than the trail had been as it continued W. The road provided another good look at Bear Butte as Lupe left the trail to follow it higher.

About to take abandoned USFS Road No. 139.1E higher. Photo looks W.

**Bear Butte** again. Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.

As No. 139.1E topped out, it faded away. Lupe had reached Peak 4780’s summit region, but the exact location of the true summit wasn’t entirely clear yet. A small hill just to the N appeared to be a likely candidate, so the American Dingo climbed it.

In the flat region where USFS Road No. 139.1E faded away.

Up on the first Peak 4780 summit candidate. Photo looks N.

Loopster kept exploring. The terrain rose slowly as she headed farther W. The Carolina Dog finally reached a region near the S edge where the terrain leveled out again. SPHP was pretty certain this had to be the true summit of Peak 4780.

At the **true summit of Peak 4780**. Photo looks NW.

Really nothing to see here except the forest. A fairly large area was very nearly the same elevation. A few tens of feet farther W, Lupe found a bit of a clearing where she had a view of rumpled green hills to to the SW from a little line of broken limestone. It was a sunny spot, and a good place to take a chocolate coconut bar break.

While SPHP dug one out of the pack, Lupe relaxed. Turned out the grass was full of hundreds of ladybugs! Swarming all over Looper’s fur, they must have tickled. She snapped up several ladybugs before turning her attention to the chocolate coconut bar when offered.

At the chocolate coconut bar break spot, which was very nearly as high as the nearby true summit. Photo looks E.

Loop awaiting her share of a chocolate coconut bar.

Lupe followed up the chocolate coconut bar with Taste of the Wild and water while SPHP munched an apple. Once that was gone, it was time to take a little more of a look around. A stump near the spot where Loop had taken her rest break offered a view of Veteran Peak (5,333 ft.).

**Veteran Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks SW.

Part of the slope below the break spot was open and grassy, so Looper ventured down there, too. She was rewarded with a more sweeping view than had been available from up on top, part of which included a really good look at Peak 4760 where she would be heading next.

In the open area below the break spot and true summit. Photo looks S.

**Peak 4760** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Unsurprisingly, the view from this new angle didn’t alter SPHP’s opinion that Lupe wouldn’t being seeing much other than trees from Peak 4760, either, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to make the journey. Never know what might be up there or along the way!

Returning to the top of the ridge, the American Dingo paid another brief visit to Peak 4780’s true summit before continuing on. Soon reaching the W end of the mountain, Lupe paused briefly to admire a better view of Veteran Peak before heading down.

On the way back up to the break spot. Photo looks N.

**Veteran Peak** (slightly L of Center) from the **W end of Peak 4780**. Photo looks SW.

Peak 4780’s upper W slope was surprisingly steep. Fortunately a band of cliffs was not continuous. Lupe found a way to get through it. The slope below the cliffs was still fairly steep, but posed no real problem on the way down to a saddle where the terrain leveled out.

Below a cliff at the **W end of Peak 4780**.

Heading down to the saddle. Photo looks W.

Once down at the saddle, Lupe turned SE. At first, she lost a little more elevation, but after running into a trail, she started regaining it again.

This was probably the same trail that went to the Sturgis City Dams, but Loop didn’t stay on it very far this time. Instead, she soon headed S through a field down to USFS Road No. 139.

Back on the trail to the Sturgis City Dams. **Peak 4760** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

**S of Peak 4780** on USFS Road No. 139. Photo looks ENE.

After a short incline, Lupe followed No. 139 more than 0.75 mile E as it lost elevation, slowly at first, but much more quickly toward the end. In a secluded valley, the Carolina Dog came to a place she recognized.

Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed the road here. Lupe followed the trail S up a hill. It then leveled out and wound around to the W for a bit before turning SE the rest of the way to Bulldog Creek.

Heading E on USFS Road No. 139 as it starts losing elevation. Photo looks E.

At the junction with Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.

Centennial Trail No. 89 on the way to Bulldog Creek. Photo looks SE.

Bulldog Creek was very small, but at least had some water in it when Lupe was last here back on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 274. Now the creekbed was bone dry. Abandoning Centennial Trail No. 89, Loopster followed the creekbed downstream.

Many branches hung over the creekbed. SPHP often had to duck. More problematic, some deadfall was across it, too. Following the creekbed E, Lupe soon came to a towering wall of rock that forced the stream S.

Approaching the wall of rock that forced Bulldog Creek S. Photo looks E.

Around this bend, Bulldog Creek was a total mess. Deadfall choked the creekbed, which actually had some standing water in it here. Loopster helped herself to a drink, while SPHP thrashed around trying to force a way through.

Loop standing in the pool of water where she managed to get a drink.

SPHP’s progress was dreadfully slow. Fortunately, Lupe didn’t need to follow Bulldog Creek much farther. It quickly turned E again. When it did, Lupe continued S, leaving the wretched stream behind.

Loop was now entering a valley in a very remote region. No sign that anyone ever comes this way! The plan was to follow the valley 0.33 mile S up to a saddle directly W of Peak 4760’s summit, then turn E making a direct assault. However, the floor of the valley was so thick with bushes, that SPHP found it easier staying toward the E.

The terrain forced Lupe higher and higher above the valley floor. SPHP finally realized that it would probably be easier to head SW straight up the mountain right here than try to traverse the increasingly steep slope leading to the saddle W of the summit.

The climb got steeper and steeper. SPHP was on the verge of clinging to trees, and paused repeatedly to gasp for breath. At one point there was a little open spot where Lupe could look back and see Peak 4780, but mostly it was just trees, trees, and more trees.

After gaining hundreds of feet of elevation, the rate of climb diminished slightly. The American Dingo persevered, finally reaching Peak 4760’s N ridge. She was already very high on the mountain. Beginning a search for the true summit, Lupe turned S.

Up on **Peak 4760’s N ridge**. Photo looks SW.

It wasn’t much farther. A sunny lane led right to it.

Approaching **Peak 4760’s summit**. Photo looks SSW.

In a flash, Lupe was there!

At **Peak 4760’s true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

2:11 PM, 65ºF, Peak 4760 true summit – The summit was a surprising place. Despite its prior densely forested appearance, a clearing ran along a short ridge. Although only a partial glimpse of Peak 4780 was available, Veteran Peak (5,333 ft.) was in sight again.

Surprisingly, in sunshine instead of shade. Photo looks NW.

The steep climb had made a genuine rest break a high priority. Before checking out the views, SPHP dug another chocolate coconut bar out of the pack, while Lupe laid down. Ladybugs were holding a convention in the unbelievably warm early December sunshine here, too, but there weren’t as many of them as there had been at Peak 4780.

Although Peak 4760 felt very remote, Lupe clearly wasn’t the only one to ever be here. However, the last visitors might have left a mighty long time ago. Five exceedingly rusty cans and a broken plastic spoon were grouped together right at the true summit.

After devouring her remaining Taste of the Wild, Looper slurped some water. SPHP polished off the last apple. Not much exploring to be done up here, but the time had come for it.

Heading S, the summit ridge soon began to slope lower, broadening out somewhat as it did so. There were scattered trees, but open ground, too. In fact, the best views from Peak 4760 were over this way.

Exploring S along the **summit ridge**. Photo looks NNE.

Toward the S, the ridge widened out and had some open space. Photo looks N.

Best view from the summit region. **Veteran Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SW.

December afternoons are short. It was a long way back to Alkali Creek. Lupe lingered only 20 minutes up on Peak 4760 before SPHP grabbed the 5 rusty cans and broken spoon, and tossed them in the pack. Loop then started down the N ridge.

Lupe hadn’t lost much elevation yet, when she came to a place where a limestone platform jutted out toward the NW. From the end, there was a nice view of Peak 4780.

Then it was down, down, down Peak 4760’s N ridge! Lupe scrambled around a few rock formations, and dodged deadfall. When the N ridge eventually broadened out, becoming less distinct, Loop stayed toward the W, which put her on steep terrain.

After a long descent, Lupe reached Bulldog Creek 0.33 mile downstream of where she’d left it earlier. It was completely dry here. After crossing the creekbed, she had to scramble 40 feet up a steep bank to reach USFS Road No. 139 again.

0.5 mile on No. 139 brought Lupe back up to where Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed it. This time she took the trail N, eventually reaching the same junction where the trail to the Sturgis City Dams split off toward Peak 4780’s summit. Downhill essentially all the way back to the Alkali Creek trailhead from here.

Getting late, though! Light was fading as SPHP was finally able to pick up the pace. Considerable progress had been made down the mountain when suddenly there was movement in the deepening gloom ahead.

A dog! Not just any dog, either. Tail slowly wagging, Poett stood alone on the trail, waiting to greet Lupe!

They sniffed. Then Poett joined the procession, preferring to fall in at the end of the line. Still some distance down to Poett’s Corner. SPHP was glad when Poett began to fall behind. Evidently, Poett was going to be content to return home, instead of following Lupe past his gate and bell.

What a way to end the day, Loopster! You finally got to meet Poett, canine celebrity of the N Centennial Trail!

We were lucky, SPHP! I’m so glad to see that Poett’s well and still actively patrolling his part of Centennial Trail No. 89!

And who knows? If you head up into the Black Hills from the Alkali Creek trailhead, Poett may be there still. (End 5:31 PM, 51ºF)

**Poett** at dusk, Centennial Trail No. 89, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-2-21

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 274 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Elk Creek to Alkali Creek (4-10-21)

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 285 – Calamity Peak & Peak 5874 (11-23-21)

9:27 AM – Two miles E of Custer, SPHP turned N off Hwy 16A onto America Center Road and promptly parked the RAV4, letting Lupe out for a look. 0.33 mile N of the highway, beyond a mowed acreage and a well-kept private home, stood a complex ridge of ancient granite.

**Calamity Peak** as seen from Hwy 16A. Photo looks N.

That’s Calamity Peak (5,760 ft.), SPHP?

Yup, or at least what we can see of it from here, Loop. There’s more to it on the other side, including the highest point.

And you really think that we can climb it, SPHP? Looks like technical rock climbing territory to me!

You might well be right, Looper, but we’re going to give it a shot. Who knows what we’ll find?

Without public access from the S, the Carolina Dog returned to the RAV4. SPHP drove a couple miles NE along America Center Road to a L turn onto Rocky Road (USFS Road No. 345.1E). Rocky Road went uphill a bit then flattened out. SPHP parked the RAV4 again in a field just W of the road.

9:44 AM, 46ºF – Not a bad starting point, and a lovely warm morning for late November to boot! Peak 5874, another peak the American Dingo might take a shot at today, was already in sight only a little more than a mile NW. Lupe scrambled up a 15 foot high granite outcropping close to the RAV4 for a better look.

Peak 5874 appeared fairly rugged, too, but not as daunting as Calamity Peak had from the highway.

Ready to get with it! **Peak 5874** (R of Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks NW.

**Peak 5874** (L) from the granite outcropping. Photo looks NW.

In any case, Peak 5874 was for later on. After retreating off the granite, Lupe headed SW through gently rolling territory. The forest here had been substantially thinned by loggers, so it was already possible to see Calamity Peak ahead. It looked a lot different from the NE than it had from the highway. Still some massive granite formations visible, but most of the mountain looked forested.

Maybe climbing Calamity Peak wouldn’t be such a big deal after all?

Heading for **Calamity Peak** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Working her way W, Lupe crossed a couple of minor drainages following old logging roads. Before long she came to a wider drainage. Big rocks along the edge of the low ridge overlooking it provided nice viewpoints.

Approaching the wide drainage. **Calamity Peak** (Center) ahead. Photo looks SE.

Another glance at **Peak 5874** (R). Photo looks NW.

Crossing the wide drainage, Lupe came to a tiny stream. Fortunately, it was sufficiently frozen to support even SPHP’s weight.

About to cross the frozen stream. Photo looks NE.

Beyond the stream, Lupe headed W up a hillside, soon reaching USFS Road No. 345.1H. For a little way, the road went S toward Calamity Peak, but ultimately curved W up to the saddle between it and the next ridge to the N.

On USFS Road No. 345.1H. **N end of Calamity Peak** (Center) ahead. Photo looks SSW.

At the **saddle N of Calamity Peak**. Photo looks W.

Since the topo map showed that the terrain W of Calamity Peak wasn’t quite as steep as an approach from the E would be, Lupe continued W over the saddle. She stuck with No. 345.1H a little farther as it curved SW and began to head downhill, but soon left it.

Venturing S through the forest while gradually gaining elevation, it soon became apparent that sticking with the road a bit longer would have been better. Lupe came to a ravine that had to be crossed, then ended up traversing steep slopes full of deadfall, at least some of which could have been avoided.

The Carolina Dog pressed on, however, and finally reached the base of a cluster of massive granite formations.

Heading toward Calamity Peak’s summit region after leaving No. 345.1H. Photo looks S.

The deadfall wasn’t terrible, but definitely kinda icky. Photo looks SSE.

Approaching the summit region. Photo looks S.

The nearly vertical granite formed a continuous wall. Impossible to go straight up it. Lupe was forced to look for another approach. Searching toward the W, she discovered a passage between the rocks, and a couple of other short ramps higher, but they all quickly became too steep.

After a slow battle back through the deadfall, which was bad along the base of the granite, Lupe tried going around the E end.

Surprisingly, this worked! A lane higher appeared. Lupe scrambled up.

Scrambling up from the E. Photo looks NW.

The Carolina Dog discovered that there actually was a way up here from the W through a passage between the rocks. Steep and narrow, but a Dingo could have made it.

The secret Dingo passage. Photo looks W.

Loopster got high, but not high enough. She could only go so far before getting stymied by a massive chunk of granite a little to the SW. No way to get up there, but she could move around in a small area flanked by big rock formations.

So close and yet so far! About as close to the top as Lupe could get. Photo looks WSW.

From the edge of the granite, Lupe actually had a decent view to the N. Miles away, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.) and the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.) were all in sight. From this unique perspective, the Black Hills looked incredibly rocky in that direction!

**Little Devils Tower** (Center), **Black Elk Peak** & **Cathedral Spires** (R). Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe hadn’t been able to get to the top, but that didn’t necessarily mean that her attempt to climb Calamity Peak (5,760 ft.) was destined to fail. There was another possibility. A short distance S of this big cluster of granite formations was another one that looked just as high. Success was still possible if the American Dingo could get to the top over there!

Descending the way she’d come up, Lupe crossed the forested saddle leading to the S high point and began to climb.

Heading for the S high point. Photo looks S.

Hopes were high for a couple of minutes as Lupe made some progress, but it all ended as the same song, second verse. She could get to within a few tens of feet of the summit, but completing the ascent without her Dingo Wings was impossible.

**Calamity Peak’s S summit** (Center), which was also unattainable and appeared likely to be the true one. Photo looks W.

Oh, that’s right, SPHP! I haven’t thought about my Dingo Wings in years! Are they here? Did you bring them? I’ll just flap ’em and sail right on up to the top of Calamity Peak (5,760 ft.), if you did!

No, sorry, I didn’t bring them, Loop. Truth is, they still haven’t come in.

They’re still on backorder from Amazon, SPHP? Can’t you try another vendor? This peakbagging business would be a whole lot easier, if I had wings.

You can say that again! No offense, Loop, you’ve been awesome, you truly have, but my next peakbagging partner is going to be an eagle.

Hah! Good luck with that, SPHP! No eagle is going to put up with all your plodding along at a snail’s pace. You’re lucky you’ve got me!

Oh, and don’t I know it! Love you, Loopster! C’mon, let’s have a look around.

The views here consisted of some distant ridges to the SW, plus a look at the town of Custer.

Stymied again! As high as Lupe got near the S summit. Photo looks S.

Same view, but with help from the telephoto lens.

Are we done here, SPHP?

Seems that way, Loop. Our personal calamity is that we can’t get to the top of Calamity Peak, although any half-decent rock climber could.

That excludes you, doesn’t it, SPHP?

Without a doubt!

Defeated, there was nothing more to be done on Calamity Peak. SPHP got the bright idea that descending a wide valley to the SE might be the fastest, easiest way down rather than heading back through the deadfall.

Passing a knob of granite as Lupe starts down the valley to the SE. Photo looks NNE.

Worked at first, but even this soon turned into a fiasco. Although a scenic route, the valley steepened, then narrowed, then became even more choked with deadfall that the route up from the N had been. Time slipped away as SPHP thrashed and flailed through it all.

Approaching a big spire near the bottom of the valley. Photo looks NE.

The valley began to widen out again as SPHP finally got past the worst of the deadfall. Progress improved. The valley continued on, though, still bearing SE. When the ridge to the N finally diminished sufficiently, Lupe left the valley to climb up and over it.

Finally past all the deadfall. Photo looks SE.

About to head N over what’s left of the ridge. Photo looks N.

Well E of Calamity Peak now, the trek N wasn’t bad at all. Lupe crossed several minor ridges separated by drainages of mixed open and forested territory. In addition to passing a handsome granite formation, she was excited to see several deer.

Approaching a massive granite formation **E of Calamity Peak**. Photo looks NNW.

Reaching USFS Road No. 345.1H again, Loopster followed it N toward Peak 5874. As she got close, the road angled NE and began to climb. When it topped out, Loop left it following a small ridge NW. A short break was taken at the ridge’s high point amid sunlit young pines.

Back on USFS Road No. 345.1H, heading for **Peak 5874** (Center). Photo looks NW.

At the break spot facing **Peak 5874’s N ridge**. Photo looks WNW.

Peak 5874’s E slope looked very steep. It’s N ridge featured a gigantic granite formation, making it seem rather doubtful that an approach from the lower end of the long ridge would succeed in getting past it.

The sun was already sinking. Too late already to circle clear around to the W side of the mountain to see if the situation looked any better over there. Looper was going to have to try to climb that steep E slope.

Leaving the minor ridge, Lupe lost a little elevation as she headed for it. Upon reaching the base of the slope, SPHP saw right away that it wasn’t as steep as it had appeared. Might work, after all! Lupe started up just S of the enormous granite formation towering far above, aiming between it and more dramatic formations a little farther S.

Climbing **Peak 5874’s E slope**. Photo looks SW.

Deadfall slowed, but merely delayed progress. Without encountering any serious difficulty, Lupe reached the ridgeline between the huge granite formation to the N, and another one to the S.

Above the steepest part of the climb. Photo looks SSE.

The massive granite formation astride the ridgeline. Photo looks N.

Good thing Looper hadn’t tried coming up farther N. No way she would have gotten past that wall of rock! However, if she was going to have any success climbing Peak 5874, she still had to get past the formation immediately S of where she’d come up.

Fortunately, there was a way around the E side. A short, easy climb along a bit of a ledge, and Lupe was over a shoulder and through a little gap. Ahead was a forested slope full of deadfall laying perpendicular to the route the American Dingo needed to take.

The deadfall would slow SPHP down, but Lupe was definitely going to get up that slope! However, she still lacked a clear view of the summit. Before heading that way, Looper took a look back N. She was already higher than the fearsome granite formation she’d managed to avoid.

The deadfall-laden slope leading to Peak 5874’s summit. Photo looks S.

Looking back to the N. **Black Elk Peak** (Center) in the distance.

Leaping over deadfall, Lupe worked her way S toward the summit. As she got close, it became clear that she was going to come up between two distinct high points. When she got there she found a carpet of kinnikinic covering a roomy flat area. A forested ramp dotted with boulders went a short distance SE up to an especially large boulder partially hidden by a tree.

At first glance, it appeared that giant boulder might well be the true summit of Peak 5874. Lupe headed for it.

Approaching the summit, which had 2 distinct high points. One to the L and one to the R. Photo looks S.

The **SE high point** from the kinnikinic carpet. Photo looks SE.

The giant boulder was perched right along the S edge of the mountain. It was so big, Loopster needed a boost from SPHP, but suddenly, there she was! Way up on Peak 5874! If only Calamity Peak had gone this well!

On **Peak 5874’s SE summit**. Photo looks S.

Lupe had a fabulous view to the S, but the boulder was a mighty airy spot. No sense in risking a real calamity! A couple of quick photos and SPHP encouraged her to leap down. The Carolina Dog needed to check out the W high point as well to complete her tour of Peak 5874, anyway.

Safely off the SE summit boulder (L). Photo looks SSW.

Checking out the view to the S from the kinnikinic. Photo looks S.

Heading over to the W summit. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe needed a boost to get up onto the W summit, too. It was a roomier place, but lacked the grand view to the S the SE boulder had provided. Too many trees! However, it seemed clear that Lupe actually was at the true summit of Peak 5874 now. The American Dingo could finally claim a peakbagging success today!

On the **W high point**, **Peak 5874’s true summit**. Photo looks S.

You win some, you lose some, but Lupe was a winner at **Peak 5874**!

Loop lingered for a few minutes up at the true summit before leaping down to join SPHP in an exploration of the rest of the summit region, which extended somewhat farther to the S, W and NW.

A little ridge of rock provided a terrific view S. Beyond Calamity Peak were others that Lupe had been to before. Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) and Peak 6040 bracketed Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) on the far horizon. Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was visible to the SE beyond a sliver of Stockade Lake.

Final moments on the **true summit**. Photo looks ENE.

**Calamity Peak** (Center) at mid range. **Custer Mountain** (L) and **Peak 6040** (R) beyond it, with **Northeast Cicero Peak** (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks S.

**Mount Coolidge** (Center). Photo looks SE.

The summit region sloped down quite a bit toward the NW. Deadfall made it hard to move around, and live trees blocked most of the views. However, Loop did get a narrow look at Crazy Horse seemingly glaring at her from Thunderhead Mountain (6,567 ft.).

**Crazy Horse** frowns at Peak 5874. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

4-21 PM, 47ºF, Peak 5874 – SW of Peak 5874’s true summit, Lupe and SPHP sat near the edge watching the weary sun hover barely above the horizon. Water and a chocolate coconut bar were eagerly accepted by the American Dingo. Peaceful, calm. A few lights twinkled amid the blackness below.

The last glimmering rays vanished. Time to go! Lupe headed back down Peak 5874’s N ridge and E slope, ultimately returning to USFS Road No. 345.1H. As dusk deepened, she followed the road as it looped NE, then SE, back to Rocky Road. Turning S at the junction, she was soon back at the RAV4. (5:21 PM, 47ºF)

You win some, you lose some, but at least there had been no greater calamity than simple failure to attain the summit at Calamity Peak.

And Expedition No. 285 had ended splendidly at Peak 5874.

**Peak 5874**, Black Hills of South Dakota 11-23-21

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 284 – Peak 4980 & Peak 5604 (11-15-21)

9:01 AM, 55ºF – Oh, that might be it! On the second pass along Beaver Creek Road (Custer County No. 391) 0.1 mile SSW of the junction with Flynn Creek Road (Custer County No. 336), SPHP spotted a faint turn to the E. Room enough to park the RAV4 in front of a barbed wire fence. Beyond a gate, a dirt road went up into the forest.

Something else was beyond the gate, too – an old brown fiberglass wand marking USFS Road No. 391.1D.

Come on out, Loop! Found it!

Minutes after bounding out of the RAV4, the Carolina Dog was following what remained of long abandoned No. 391.1D.

Beaver Creek Road where USFS Road No. 391.1D takes off. Photo looks SW.

Setting out on USFS Road No. 391.1D Photo looks E.

The road made a short climb to the E, then curved SE as it began to level out. Grass as tall as Lupe covered the flat lane ahead.

Most of No. 391.1D turned out to be a pleasant grassy lane. Photo looks SE.

Private property was just down the slope to the E as Lupe sniffed along. Passing through a short stretch lined with little Ponderosa pines on each side, Loop reached a tall grass clearing where No. 391.1D faded away. A minor pass was just ahead.

Between the little Ponderosas. Photo looks SE.

The tall grass clearing at the end of USFS Road No. 391.1D. Photo looks S at the pass.

Lupe made it up to the pass in a flash. Grassy, but not as tall here.

Which way, SPHP?

Up that slope to the W, Looper!

The slope to the W was a bit longer, but an easy climb, too. Roaming an open forest featuring scattered rocks, the American Dingo soon reached an initial high point.

10:39 AM, 55ºF – Lupe got up on one of the highest rocks.

Where to now, SPHP?

Congratulations, Loopster! You have just climbed Peak 4980!

What? Already? We’ve barely gotten started!

Yeah, I know. This peak is a super easy one, a cinch following the road. Don’t worry, though, Loop. More on the agenda! The next peak will be tougher and a lot farther.

Sounds good, SPHP! Is the next peak far enough away to require a fair amount of energy to get there?

Oh, yes! I’d say so.

In that case, since we’ve already climbed a mountain, maybe we ought to have a chocolate coconut bar. Just to keep our energy levels up, you know?

Conniving Dingo! Kind of early in the day, but I suppose we can do that.

After water and a shared chocolate coconut bar, Lupe explored Peak 4980’s summit region. The first rock she’d gotten up on wasn’t quite the true summit. Several rocks were candidates for that title, but one a little farther SW seemed clearly a tad higher than the others.

At the **true summit of Peak 4980**. Photo looks WSW.

The highest part of Peak 4980’s summit region was 25 feet in diameter and toward the N end. However, a minor dip led to a 200 foot long flat grassy area to the S. Lupe sniffed along the length of it, while SPHP checked for views.

*My that chocolate coconut bar was tasty!* Lupe still licking her chops. Photo looks S toward the flat grassy end of the summit region.

In the grassy region. looking back toward the true summit. Photo looks N.

Eh! Not much for views. Glimpses to the SE that might have been nice minus a few trees, but that was about it. Loop did a little scrambling on the rock formations separating the upper and lower summit areas, but that was about all there was to Peak 4980. Half an hour after arriving, she revisited the true summit rock before departing.

Along the edge of the dip. Photo looks NW.

Briefly back at **Peak 4980’s true summit**. Photo looks NE.

Instead of taking the same easy route along USFS Road No. 391.1D back to the RAV4, Lupe explored Peak 4980’s N ridge. More challenging, but nothing major. Heading down to the saddle leading to the first subpeak along the ridge, there actually was a spot with a view. The subpeak had a better one.

Glimpse of the **Beaver Creek valley** while heading down Peak 4980’s N slope. Photo looks W.

View from the first subpeak N of Peak 4980. Photo looks SW.

The final descent from the end of the N ridge got rocky and steep, but was soon all over and done with. Lupe reached USFS Road No. 391.1D again. Only a quick downhill march remained.

Back at the RAV4 along Beaver Creek Road. Photo looks NW.

Truth was that the RAV4 could get Lupe much closer to the next peak on the agenda, but where was the fun in that? The American Dingo was surprised when SPHP walked right on by it. At the junction 0.1 mile NNE, SPHP led Loop NW on Flynn Creek Road. Another 0.1 mile got her to a R turn onto a side road going to the Cold Springs ranger station and a cemetery.

Directly ahead was a hillside that got quite steep and rocky near the top. If Lupe could get up there, the intention was to follow a long ridge that went N, then NW, all the way to Peak 5604, her ultimate destination.

At the junction of Beaver Creek Road and Flynn Creek Road. Photo looks N.

At the turn to the Cold Spring ranger station and cemetery. Photo looks NW.

Heading for the hillside. Photo looks N.

The hillside really didn’t look all that bad, but once Loop left the road and started climbing, SPHP made the mistake of venturing too far E. This ended up putting her on some of the steepest, rockiest terrain.

Starting to get rather rocky on the way up. Photo looks N.

Hmm. Not too far from the top, but mighty steep. Photo looks NE.

In several spots, it looked like Lupe might get stuck. Fortunately, there was always a way higher. Loopster managed to reach the upper edge without needing any boosts from SPHP. She was rewarded with a nifty view of Peak 4980 where she’d been only a little while ago.

**Peak 4980** (L of Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks S.

Beyond the edge, Lupe found a forested ramp that sloped gradually up toward the ENE between parallel lines of rock formations. The absolute top of this hill couldn’t be much farther, so Lupe went to find it.

The highest rocks she came to along the S edge provided an even better view of Peak 4980.

On the easy, wide ramp. Photo looks ENE.

The grand view of **Peak 4980** (L) from some of the highest rocks along the S edge. Photo looks S.

However, the top of the hill proved to be along the N edge, not the S edge. Venturing across a flat region, Lupe came to a pile of boulders. She promptly scrambled up, reaching the summit of HP5000.

At the **summit of HP5000**. Photo looks NNW.

Too many trees to get a decent view to the N, but a lower spot a little to the W did have one. 2.5 miles NNW as the crow flies, Lupe could now see Peak 5604, her ultimate destination. More than twice as far away, the top of Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.) was in sight, too.

HP5072, the next hill along the proposed ridge route to Peak 5604, was of more immediate concern. Beyond a saddle 160 feet below where Lupe was now, its S face looked a lot like the hillside she had just climbed. Not all that big, but rocky and steep.

In fact, the territory ahead all looked rougher than SPHP expected. Lupe was perched at the brink of a cliff, rather than a nice easy slope leading down to the saddle to HP5072. Suddenly, it was clear that the American Dingo was in for a long day, not the stroll along a gentle ridge that SPHP had envisioned.

**Peak 5604** (L of Center). **HP5072** (R) in the foreground beyond Lupe. Photo looks NNW.

**Cicero Peak** (L of Center) in the distance. **Peak 5604** (R). Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.

A short water and rest break was taken while contemplating this view, but the scene didn’t change. The route N looked every bit as rugged as before. Nothing to be done about it, though, except to start putting one paw in front of the other. Lupe left HP5000 heading WSW back down the ramp while searching for a break in the cliffs.

She had to go farther than expected to find one, and even then a bit of scrambling was involved, but Loop finally got below the drop-off. The going was still a little slow, since the forest down here had a fair amount of deadfall to contend with, but the situation improved as Lupe headed N across the saddle leading to HP5072. In fact, as she started up the N end of the saddle, she came to a nice view of Rankin Ridge (5,013 ft.), the high point of Wind Cave National Park.

Looking back at **HP5000** after finding a way down from the cliffs. Photo looks SE.

Crossing the saddle leading to **HP5072** (Center). Photo looks N.

**Rankin Ridge** (Center), the high point of Wind Cave National Park. Photo looks E.

Staying toward the L (W), the climb up HP5072‘s S face wasn’t bad at all. Lupe passed near some gigantic boulders at the top, but no attempt was made to see if it was feasible to get up on them. The general impression was that any effort to do so would only be a waste of valuable time.

HP5072 was the S end of the longest, most consistent, part of the ridge Lupe was trying to follow. Several minor high points were ahead. The next objective was HP5227 near the N end, more than a mile away.

Thickly forested terrain N of HP5072 soon led to the first of the minor high points. This was a rocky spot providing another view of Peak 5604, which was still a long way off. Beyond this first high point, the ridge narrowed and remained quite rocky. Loop was soon forced down off a spine of massive rock formations.

E of, and well below, these rock formations, the Carolina Dog traversed a steep slope until she could get past them.

**Peak 5604** (Center) from the first minor high point **N of HP5072**. Photo looks NNW.

N of the first minor high point, the ridge was rocky and narrowing. Photo looks NNE.

Traversing the forested slope E of the ridgeline. Photo looks N.

Back up on the ridge, approaching the next minor high point. Photo looks N.

The second minor high point along the way wasn’t as rocky. More open toward the S, Lupe had a nice view of the route she had been traveling.

Looking back along the ridge. Photo looks SSE.

Still more up and down along the ridge to go! HP5227 finally came into sight. Getting there was a dismal undertaking. Deadfall choked nearly the entire remaining distance, and HP5227 itself was no better. Upon reaching the summit, SPHP had to snap a multitude of branches so Lupe could get to the highest rocks. Minus the deadfall, the views would have been pretty decent from here, but it was practically impossible to move around. HP5227 was just an ugly mess!

Approaching **HP5227** (R). **Peak 5604** (far L). Photo looks NNW.

**HP5227 summit**. **Peak 5604** (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

Like sticks? If so, **HP5227** is amazing! Photo looks E.

Peak 5604 was still nearly a mile NW. Almost 200 feet of elevation now had to be lost over 0.25 mile to get down to the last major saddle leading to it. Lupe visited a couple of rock outcroppings during the descent.

Approaching the **first rock outcropping NW of HP5227**. **Peak 5604** (R of Center), **HP5422** (R). Photo looks NW.

At the **second rock outcropping NW of HP5227**. **Peak 5604** (L) and **HP5422** (R). Photo looks NW.

Looking back at **HP5227** (Center) from the second rock outcropping. Photo looks SE.

By the time Lupe got down to the saddle, she’d left the horrid deadfall behind. Going W from the saddle, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered a game trail that climbed slowly through forest as it gradually turned NW. The trail led to a tall grass meadow in the valley SE of Peak 5604.

At the **saddle between HP5227 and Peak 5604**. Photo looks NW.

Following the game trail. Photo looks NW.

The trail vanished. Lupe continued NW and the terrain soon steepened. Turning WNW, the American Dingo reached Peak 5604’s S ridge, already quite high on the mountain. All that remained was a steady trudge to the top, passing scattered pines, minor rock formations, and a bit of deadfall along the way.

Climbing **Peak 5604’s** broad, poorly defined, **S ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

Getting close to the top! Photo looks NNW.

3:52 PM, 65ºF, Peak 5604 – Nothing to it, but it had taken a long time to get here. Lupe arrived at Peak 5604’s summit as the sun was getting low. A light breeze stirred out of the W. Incredibly warm out, maybe a record for this date in the middle of November?

After standing on the highest rock to claim her peakbagging success, Lupe looked for a place to relax. Most of the top of the mountain was meadow, but the small elevated region near the true summit was rockier than decent consideration for comfort would have dictated. For a while, the Carolina Dog wound up on SPHP’s lap.

Success! At the **true summit of Peak 5604**. Photo looks NW.

Time for the traditional water, apple, chocolate coconut bar, and Taste of the Wild break!

Congratulations, Loopster! Harder than I thought it would be, but we got here!

Peak 5604 was so worth it, though, SPHP!

Yes, the ridge route was fun, although, as usual, I could have done without all the deadfall.

Dream on, SPHP! Par for the course in the Black Hills, and you know it! Anyway, don’t forget! It’s a good thing we came this way, because we now know the secret location of the precious Pink Dingo!

Precious Pink Dingo! What on earth are you talking about?

That huge gem we found, SPHP! The enormous pink one! It must be worth millions! I still don’t know why you just left it there.

You mean that fist-sized piece of rose quartz? Yes, a very nice specimen, but it isn’t worth millions.

Of course, it is, SPHP! Admit it! The Pink Dingo is the most magnificent geological discovery we’re ever made in all our wanderings!

Aren’t you forgetting the geodes we found once, Loop?

No, I’m not. They were pretty, but small. The Pink Dingo outshines them all!

Well, maybe so, Looper, but why are you calling a chunk of rose quartz “the Pink Dingo”? It wasn’t shaped like a Dingo at all.

Don’t you know anything, SPHP? Panthers are world famous for finding an incredibly valuable pink gem. Mastermind thieves are always trying to steal it. It’s called the Pink Panther! Everyone else on the planet knows it isn’t shaped like a panther, but named in honor of the panther that found it! You must be related to that inspector Clouseau in the documentary.

Ahh, I see. So now there’s the Pink Dingo!

Undeniably discovered by an all-American Dingo, SPHP! As you are my witness, the Pink Dingo is going to make us rich and famous! You’ll see!

Rich and famous! All due to the fabulous, newly discovered Pink Dingo! Certainly a happy thought to mull over while gazing out at panoramic views enhanced by the slanting rays of the evening sun.

Higher country was off to the NW, where the old fire lookout tower was visible on Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.). Not quite as high, and farther away, Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was NNE. None of the territory to the S or E was as high as Peak 5604. Lupe could see all the way to Buffalo Gap. To the W, miles long Bowman Ridge hid what lay beyond it.

Loopster had never been to Bowman Ridge. Might be fun to explore it sometime. Maybe another Pink Dingo, or even a Pink SPHP, was over there?

**Cicero Peak** (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

**Mount Coolidge** (far R) in the distance. Photo looks N.

**Buffalo Gap** (R) in the distance. Photo looks ESE.

**Bowman Ridge** along the horizon. Photo looks W.

The way Lupe had come up. Photo looks S.

Nearly an hour after arriving at Peak 5604, Lupe once again stood on the highest rock. SPHP started down first, then called her when her summit hour was complete.

Final moments on **Peak 5604**. Photo looks, E.

Then it was down the mountain’s S ridge again in the beautiful evening sunlight.

Leaving the summit region. Photo looks N.

Heading down the S ridge. Photo looks SSE.

Still some sniffing and exploring to do, but the sun was setting. Instead of returning by the same route, which would have been horrendous in the dark, Lupe eventually turned SW off Peak 5604’s S ridge, descending into a valley.

Still exploring! On the biggest rock of the S ridge. Photo looks SE.

The valley led down to Flynn Creek Road. Road hike the rest of the way back now. As dusk deepened and the silver stars appeared, the Carolina Dog was excited by the sight of deers grazing in the meadows.

Oh, and it was sort of fun to dream of becoming rich and famous, too! (End 5:13 PM, 46ºF)

**Peak 5604**, Black Hills of South Dakota 11-15-21

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Pink Panther theme song

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!